How to Select Electric Heaters
Electric heaters have a number of advantages they offer, including low initial costs, minimal maintenance by the homeowner, and efficient heating. They are also more convenient than heating systems that require venting.
They are especially useful if your electricity provider offers Economy 7 as the lower off-peak tariff will save you money on the cost of heating.
Temperature Settings
Ideally the electric heater should enable you to set the exact temperature you like, then keep that temperature constant without having to switch it off and on. electric heater stoves will reduce energy consumption and prevent you from entering a room that's too cold or leaving one that's too hot. Find a thermostat and if it's possible, one that has a timer function.
When choosing an electric heater, make sure that it's suitable for your space. A heater that's too small for your space will have to run for longer than it needs to reach a desired temperature, which is a waste of energy and makes the room overheat. Use our calculator to determine the ideal heater's watts per square foot for your space.
Also, make sure the knobs for temperature adjustment are easy to adjust and reach. You may have remove screws or peel back insulation in order to access the knobs if they are recessive. This can be a challenge. Make sure you are using the recommended temperature range as well to ensure safety and efficiency. Temperatures below 120 degrees can create a bacterial growth and increase the risk of the possibility of scalding. While temperatures above 140 degrees could be an hazard to fire.
The Everhot is an elegant compact heater that is specifically designed for conservatories or, as the company describes it: "annexes, holiday cottages narrow boats and shepherds' huts, as well as glamping pods." It can reach up to 200C and is therefore an ideal choice for heating as well as cooking. It comes with a timer and an ECO setting that optimizes heating and power settings to be more efficient.
It's also quiet. There isn't any fan noise or the sound of whirring when you change the settings. This makes it a good option for bedrooms and living rooms. It also comes with a few other useful features, such as a built-in nightlight that glows blue when the heater is on and a built-in humidifier that can be set to intermittent mist mode to provide a more subtle effect. It's also safe and sturdy and comes with a tip-over shutdown switch as well as a protection against overheating that automatically shuts off the unit should it overheat. It's also certified by UL for safety.
Safety
Electric heaters should be used with caution. Risks of fire from heaters as well as carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning are particularly hazardous to children, the elderly and those with chronic health issues or immune system issues. Children and pets could knock over a heater, which can lead to injury or even death.
ESFI suggests checking a heater's cord, plug and outlet periodically. Check for signs of damage such as damaged plugs, loose cord, or if the plug is damaged or loose. If the outlet or cord feels hot, stop using it and contact a qualified electrician to repair it. Also, do not plug in multiple electrical devices at the same outlet using a space heater; it may overload it and cause overheating.
It's a good idea to use heaters that have been listed or labelled by a nationally recognized test laboratory, like UL. These heaters are more likely to be in compliance with voluntary safety standards. Also, do not place a heater on fire-prone surfaces like carpets and fabrics. Keep at least a three-foot safety clearance between the heater and any combustible materials. Also, don't put heaters near the bathroom or in the kitchen. Never touch it when you are wet.
Also, make certain to plug an electric heater directly into a wall outlet and not an extension cord or power strip. If you must connect an extension cord, select the shortest possible heavy-duty one constructed with 14 gauge wire. Examine any outlets that are sagging because this could be a sign of a circuit that is overloaded.
If you're using an electric space heater in an open area, be sure to keep it at least six inches from anything that could ignite. Place the space heater on an unburnable, flat surface rather than on furniture, cabinets or tables, which may overheat. Also, make sure to switch off and unplug the heater when you leave the room or go to bed and leave it on to increase your risk of fire.
Electric heaters are a fantastic option to reduce energy usage and avoid injuries. Electric heaters are commonly used by facility managers to provide additional heat to offices and other common areas as temperatures fall. Preferred Climate Solutions installs and provides maintenance for outdoor and indoor electric heating systems to make your workplace as comfortable in these cold winter months as you can. Contact us today to learn more about heating solutions.
Energy Efficiency
Consider the energy efficiency of a portable heater when making your choice. This refers to the amount of electricity needed to generate the desired amount of heat. Heaters that use less energy are more efficient and can reduce the cost of heating your home or business.
The heating element is utilized in the majority of electrical heaters to convert electrical energy into warmth. It is typically made up of a coil or ribbon, a flexible heater, or tubular element that releases heat when a current flows through it. The amount of heat that is produced is contingent on the heating element used and the method by which it transmits heat (convection or radiation).
If you're concerned about the impact on the environment, choose a model which uses an environmentally-friendly form of energy. This could be a renewable source of power or an alternative to fossil fuels like wind or solar.
The efficiency of electric heaters is also affected by the location and how the electricity is generated. Electricity generated from solar or wind power plants will be more efficient than electricity derived from fossil fuels found in the power plant.
It is not enough to select a heater that is an environmentally friendly energy source, but one that comes with various energy-saving features. This could include automatic shut-off systems in the event of excessive heat or if the unit is accidentally tipped over.
These security measures will help protect your family or employees and also help save money on energy bills by preventing excessive usage. Many portable electric heaters operate quietly, which makes them ideal for offices, bedrooms and other places where you need a peaceful atmosphere.
Electric heaters can also save money by reducing maintenance calls. Gas units can be more expensive to repair than electric heaters, and the cost of maintenance may increase over time. Electric models are generally less expensive to maintain, and they often have more advanced features that help you to conserve energy.
Installation
Electric heaters work on the basis of Joule energy, which converts electrical power into radiant heat that warms the room. They're also extremely efficient and cost-effective in comparison to other forms of heating, especially gas. They aren't suitable for all households and may cause strain on an existing electrical system. It is crucial to have an electrician examine the system before installing a wall heater.
When selecting an electric heater, you need to consider several aspects, including the size and type of the heater, as well as the room the space it will be placed. The kind of heater you select will determine the cost to run it. A baseboard heater that is electric can cost more to operate than the space heater or portable heater however, it will provide more uniform warmth and doesn't require any vents or chimneys.
Electric fan heaters feature an air blower that circulates hot air throughout the room. This type of electric heater is the least expensive, but can be noisy and takes longer to warm a room.
Find a heater that has a thermostat built in. This feature allows you to set a temperature target and the heater will shut off automatically when it gets to the temperature. This feature can reduce the energy use and also save you from having to keep turning the heater on and of.
Make sure you turn off the power source at the breaker box and use a circuit tester to ensure that it's off before you attempt to install an electric heater. Then, mark the spot in which you plan to install the electric heater on the wall and cut an opening in the drywall. Utilize a drywall saw to remove the necessary section, taking care not to cut any existing electrical wires or pipes.
Run a 14/2 cable with the same gauge as the existing wires from the panel for the breaker to the wall opening. Strip approximately 1 inch of insulation off the ends of each conductor wire and connect them to an available screw in the outlet box. Label or mark this wire with red tape to identify it as the "line". Connect it to the wire leads inside the thermostat box, marked "load".